Woven articles from synthetic yarns

ABSTRACT

A woven panel is formed from a plurality of elongated yarns, with and without a center core. The core yarns provide mechanical strength for the woven material in supporting the coreless yarns when used in load bearing articles such as the seat or back portions of an article of furniture.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/902,556, filed Jul. 29, 2004, which claims thebenefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/520,959 filed Nov. 18, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Natural wicker has been used in the manufacture of furniture, basketsand other articles for many centuries. The casual, informal appearanceof wicker has made it especially popular for use in enclosed porches andother informal settings in homes, hotels and other establishments.Natural wicker, however, has had limited use in the outdoor furnituremarket, including patio furniture, pool furniture and the like. This isbecause natural wicker softens and weakens when wet, and is moresusceptible to rotting and mildew than many other natural and man-madefurniture materials.

Woven wicker typically comprises a weft yarn, i.e., a yarn runningstraight through the woven material, and a warp yarn, i.e., a yarn thatis woven around the weft yarn. Numerous styles of weave are used in themanufacture of wicker furniture. The various styles of weave result in adifferent look, feel, strength and weight of the finished woven product.In a simple weave pattern, the weft yarns are spaced apart and arrangedparallel to each other. The warp yarns are woven over and underalternating weft yarns. Adjacent warp yarns pass on opposite sides of agiven weft yarn.

Polymer yarns have also been used to manufacture wicker-like furniture.By way of example, a polymer yarn is known which is constructed as anelongated body, such as of indeterminate length, having a coresurrounded by a sheath of polyvinylchloride (PVC) outer coating, forexample, foamed and non foamed PVC material. Foamed PVC material givesgreater volume with less material. The outer coating may be formed ofother synthetic materials such as polyamides, polyesters and the like.The yarn is typically made in a single step using a coextrusion process,as is known in the art. The inner core may include a single filament ofpolyester, or may include a plurality of polyester filaments bundled toform a single core. In addition, the core may be formed of othermaterials than polyester such as metal, monofilament or stranded, suchas polyamides and the like. The core is designed to give the yarngreater mechanical strength over yarns formed only of polymer material.This is considered more important when the outer layer is constructedfrom foamed polymer material.

The polymer yarn being constructed from foamed PVC material results in alack of uniformity in the foaming of the PVC material during theextrusion process. This produces a yarn which lacks a uniformcylindrical appearance. Specifically, the outer surface of the yarn isdeformed, such as by having undulations, mounds and/or depressed areasalong the length of the yarn. The deformed shape of the outer surface ofthe yarn results in the yarn having a more natural look to that of realwicker. It is also known to provide the exterior surface of the polymeryarn with one or more random stripes of a contrasting color and/or oneor more random grooves. The stripes and grooves can be continuous and/orintermittent along the exterior surface of the yarn. The yarn, however,can also have a more uniform cylindrical shape, as well as other shapessuch as square, oval, flat, triangular and the like. Polymer yarns asthus far described are known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,704,690, 5,845,970and 6,179,382; as well as U.S. Design Pat. Nos. 395,171, 474,614 and409,001; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.As in the case of natural wicker, polymer yarns have been woven into awoven material, which has been used in the manufacture of casualfurniture suitable for the outdoor furniture market, including patiofurniture, as well as for indoor use.

There is known twisted composite yarns for use in manufacturingsynthetic woven material for furniture articles in Applicant's U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,625,970, 6,705,020 and 6,725,640, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference. These patents disclose various methodsof heat setting multiple strand twisted yarns and forming same into awoven material for use in forming, for example, seat and back portionsof a furniture article. The twisted yarns are used as both the weftyarns and the warp yarns to form the woven portion, which is adhered toa frame of a furniture article. There is also disclosed the applicationof multiple strands twisted and single strand non-twisted syntheticyarns for use in manufacturing synthetic woven material for furniturearticles in Applicant's co-pending Application Ser. No. 10/158,629,entitled “Combination Weave Using Twisted and Non-Twisted Yarn” whichwas filed on May 30, 2002, the disclosure of which is also incorporatedherein by reference. This latter application discloses various methodsof providing a more comfortable seat portion through the use ofnon-twisted yarn strands as the warp yarns.

The aforementioned also disclose forming a weave from variouscombinations of twisted and/or non-twisted synthetic yarns which areadhered prior to or after the weaving process to the frame of an articleof furniture. The woven synthetic material is subsequently heat set byplacing the article of furniture having the weave thereon into an ovenin accordance with the disclosed process. The heat setting processstabilizes the weft and warp yarns to inhibit their shifting within theweave, as well as heat setting individual twisted strands of polymeryarn which may be used as the weft and warp yarns. It has been observed,however, that the heat setting process results in elongation of thepolymer strands causing sagging of the woven panels particularly in theseat and back rest portions which span an unsupported area of thearticle frame. Although the slight sagging of the polymer woven materialdoes not affect the usability of the furniture article, it detracts fromthe aesthetic appeal of the article to the consumer.

It is therefore desirable to provide improvements in the manufacture ofpolymer woven material for use in furniture articles and accessoriestherefore including, for example, the use of twisted strands of polymeryarn and heat set woven material therefrom.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there isdescribed a coated woven panel comprising a plurality of polymer firstyarns woven together with a plurality of polymer second yarns forming awoven panel therefrom, the first and second yarns having an exposedouter surface and interstices therebetween within the woven panel, acoating having a color covering at least a portion of the exposed outersurface of the first and second yarns and within the interstices.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there isdescribed an article of furniture comprising a frame having the shape ofan article of furniture, and a woven panel attached to the frame, thewoven panel comprises a plurality of polymer first yarns woven togetherwith a plurality of polymer second yarns forming a woven paneltherefrom, the first and second yarns having an exposed outer surfaceand interstices therebetween within the woven panel, a coating having acolor covering at least a portion of the exposed outer surface of thefirst and second yarns and within the interstices.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there isdescribed a method of making a coated woven panel comprising forming awoven panel by weaving together a plurality of first polymer yarns witha plurality of polymer second yarns, the first and second yarns havingan exposed outer surface and interstices therebetween with the wovenpanel, and coating at least a portion of the exposed outer surface ofthe first and second yarns and within the interstices with a coloredcoating composition.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there isdescribed a method of making an article of furniture comprisingproviding a frame having the shape of an article of furniture andattaching a woven panel to the frame, the woven panel formed by weavingtogether a plurality of first polymer yarns with a plurality of polymersecond yarns, the first and second yarns having an exposed outer surfaceand interstices therebetween within the woven panel, and coating atleast a portion of the exposed outer surface of the first and secondyarns and within the interstices with a colored coating composition.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there isdescribed a method of bonding together a plurality of polymer yarns, themethod comprising weaving a plurality of polymer yarns into a weavehaving interstices; at least partially filling the interstices with acoating composition; and applying a solvent for the polymer yarns orthinner for the composition within the interstices.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there isdescribed a method of bonding together a plurality of twisted polymeryarns, the method comprising providing a weave of a plurality of twistedpolymer yarns having interstices within the weave; at least partiallyfilling the interstices with a coating composition; and applying a fluidat least within the interstices.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there isdescribed a method of making a weave having a washed out appearance, themethod comprising weaving a plurality of polymer yarns into a weave;applying a colored composition to the plurality of polymer yarns withinthe weave; and removing at least a portion of the colored compositionfrom the plurality of polymer yarns.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above description, as well as further objects, features andadvantages of the present invention will be more fully understood withreference to the following detailed description of Woven Articles fromSynthetic Yarns, when taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a portion of a single strand of a polymeryarn in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a self-twisted polymer yarn in accordancewith another embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a polymer yarn having nodes inaccordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration showing one fabrication processfor a self-twisted polymer yarn;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a composite yarn formed form twistingmultiple strands together in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration showing one fabrication processfor a composite twisted yarn;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a portion of a single strand of polymeryarn in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a portion of a single strand of polymeryarn in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a single strand of polymeryarn in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a skeletal frame of an article offurniture;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an article of furniture including awoven portion of polymer yarn; and,

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of woven material constructed by weavingpolymer yarn in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the preferred embodiments of the subject matterillustrated and to be described with respect to the drawings, specificterminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, theinvention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms soselected, and is to be understood that each specific term includes alltechnical equivalence which operate in a similar manner to accomplish asimilar purpose.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals representlike elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention a single strand of yarn preferably of PVCmaterial of indeterminate length designated generally by referencenumeral 100. In the preferred embodiment, the yarn 100 has a core 102 ofpolyester material or metal as previously described surrounded by apolymer sheath 104 of polymer material such as PVC material. The core102 may be centered or eccentric within the sheath 104. The yarn 100 maybe made as a single strand of polymer material of the type andconstruction as described in the aforementioned patents which have beenincorporated herein by reference. As such, the yarn 100 may have auniform outer surface and/or cross-section, or one which is deformedalong its outer surface and has a non-uniform cross-section over itslength, and one in which the outer sheath 104 is foamed or not foamed.However, other sheaths 104 or cores 102 of polymer material of adifferent construction or polymer material are also contemplated for usein producing a yarn 100 and a weave of woven material in accordance withthe present invention.

There is shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention a single strand of a twisted yarn preferably of PVCmaterial of indeterminate length designated generally by referencenumeral 106. The yarn 106 also has a core 102 of polyester material aspreviously described surrounded by an outer sheath 106. As such, theyarn 106 may have a uniform outer surface and/or cross-section, or onewhich is deformed along its outer surface and has a non-uniformcross-section over its length, and one in which the outer sheath 108 isfoamed or not foamed. However, other sheaths 108 of polymer material ofa different construction or polymer material are also contemplated foruse in producing a self-twisted yarn 106 and a weave of woven materialin accordance with the present invention. The twisted yarn 106 may alsobe referred to herein as a self-twisted yarn 106 or a single twistedyarn 106.

Yarns 100, 106 can be of any shape, size, surface ornamentation and/orcolor. For example, the yarns 100, 106 may be flat, oval, square,rectangular, polygonal, etc. It is also contemplated that any variationof the yarns 100, 106 can be utilized in forming a woven portion. By wayof one example, the yarn 100, 106 may be co-extruded from polymermaterial of different colors. In this regard, a portion of the yarn 100,106 extending longitudally along its length may be one color, and otherportions co-extruded of different colors or polymer material. When theyarn 100 is twisted, the varying colors will provide the self-twistedyarn 106 with a unique ornamental appearance of twisted multi-coloredyarns notwithstanding that only a single yarn is used. Thus, it is to beunderstood, that various constructions of polymer yarns 100, 106 asdescribed may be woven to form a woven material having various aestheticappearances.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown another embodiment of a strand of ayarn 105 having a main outer sheath or layer 107 and a central core 102similar in construction to yarns 100/106. The yarn 105 is furtherprovided with one or more protrusions or nodes 109 which may be formedcontemporaneously with formation, e.g., co-extrusion, of the yarn 105.The protrusions 109 may be of any shape or size desired. In this regard,it is contemplated that the protrusions 109 will be of different sizethan the main outer layer 107 of the yarn 105. However, it is alsocontemplated that each of the protrusions 109 may have a similar shapeto the main outer layer 107, each of the protrusions 109 being of thesame or different size with respect to each other.

Any number of protrusions 109 may be co-extruded with the main outerlayer 107. It is also contemplated that the color of the protrusions 109may be different from each other, as well as being different from themain outer layer 107 of the yarn 105. It is further contemplated thatthe protrusions 109 may or may not include a core 102. It is stillfurther contemplated that the protrusions 109 may have any surfaceornamentation, contour, grooves, lines or the like as may be desired,which may or may not be included on the surface of the main outer layer107. The protrusions 109 will provide additional texture to the yarn105. Furthermore, by providing the protrusions 109 of different colors,as well as being of a different color to the main outer layer 107 of theyarn 105, a unique aesthetic appearance will be provided to the strandupon twisting and weaving into a woven material. It is furthercontemplated that the protrusions 109 can be co-extruded along theentire length of the yarn 105. However, it is also contemplated that theprotrusions 109 may be longitudal segments of varying lengths along thelongitudinal outer surface of the yarn 105.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there will be described one process ofmanufacturing a self-twisted yarn 106 from a non-twisted yarn 100. Asshown, there is provided a source 110 of a continuous length of a singleyarn 100 of polymer material. Generally, the source 110 will be in thenature of a spool of an indeterminate length yarn 100 of the polymermaterial. It is contemplated, however, that the source 110 can be anyapparatus suitable for retaining the yarn 100 and feeding the yarn toconduct the process herein. The yarn may also be provided directly froman extruder.

The individual yarn 100 may initially be fed from the spool into an oven112 which is heated to a predetermined temperature. In the case of PVCmaterial, an oven temperature in one example of about 270° F. iscontemplated. The function of heating the yarn 100 is to reduce itsmemory retention properties so as to inhibit the yarn from untwistingprior to weaving. However, the heating process is not essential orrequired of the present invention, and if used, can be accomplished atother oven temperatures. The temperature of the oven 112 will generallytake into consideration the type of the polymer material forming theyarn 100, as well as the linear rate in which the yarn passes throughthe oven 112, for example, the residence time in the oven 112. Basedupon the oven temperature and residence time of the yarn 100 within theoven 112, the yarn can be heated to a temperature to relieve or reduceits memory properties. For example, typically below its softeningtemperature, although higher temperatures are contemplated. Accordingly,lower temperatures with longer residence times and higher temperatureswith shorter residence times are contemplated. It is to be understoodthat the higher temperature of the yarn, the greater likelihood anddegree of adherence or bonding between the yarn when twisted or attainedwhen heated after twisting.

It can be appreciated that the temperature of the oven will varyaccording to the particular polymer material forming the strand 100, aswell as the degree of memory relief desired of the strand 100. Forpolymer material most suitable for use in accordance with the presentinvention, a temperature range of 200 to 450° F., and more preferablyabout 250 to 375° F. is contemplated. However, as the basis fordetermining the oven temperature and residence time have been describedherein, it is to be understood that other temperatures can be selectedfor suitable use with any polymer material in which to form aself-twisted strand 106.

As the yarn 100 exits the oven 112, it passes through a conventionaltwisting apparatus 114. The twisting apparatus 114 is operative fortwisting the yarn 100 to form the self-twisted yarn 106 as best shown inFIG. 2. It is well recognized in the art that a twist occurs when thestrand is twisted to form either an s-twist or a z-twist. These twistscorrespond to clockwise and counter-clockwise twists, and one is themirror image of the other. An s-twisted yarn will look different than az-twisted yarn in a weave. In the case of a single yarn, the yarn willtwist upon itself in a helix, thereby creating either an s-twist or az-twist, depending upon the twisting direction. The twisting apparatus114 may be of any suitable construction such as known in the art wherecontinuous lengths of filaments or strands are twisted.

The self-twisted yarn 106, if heated, may be subject to air-cooling, oroptionally, passed through a cooling device 116. The cooling device 116may include a source of blowing ambient air, or air chilled to aid inbringing the self-twisted yarn 106 to room or ambient temperature. Theresulting yarn 106 is subsequently wound upon a spool 118. It is alsocontemplated that the twisting apparatus 114 may be positioned beforethe oven 112, as well as providing an oven to heat the yarn 106 afterthe yarn is wound on the spool 118. It is also contemplated that thetwisting apparatus 114 may be placed directly within the oven 112.

The yarn 100 is typically formed by hot extrusion of polymer materialthrough a die. It is therefore contemplated that the yarn 100, while ina somewhat heated state after extrusion, may be twisted in the twistingapparatus 114, thereby eliminating the use of a separate oven 112.Depending upon the exit temperature of the yarn 100 from the extruder,the yarn may be allowed to air cool or provided with a separate coolingdevice 116 for the yarn prior to twisting.

It is contemplated that only a slight heating of the yarn will allow theyarn to relax sufficiently so as to retain its twisted shape aftertwisting, e.g., 80-100° F. The heating will provide the yarn withsufficient memory loss to essentially retain its twisted shape. The yarn106 may be heated prior to or after the twisting operation. In addition,the yarn 106 may be heated as a result of its hot extrusion from anextrusion die during its formation thereby eliminating the need for anysubsequent heating as previously described. Although it is preferredthat the yarn 106 be heated to reduce some of its memory retentionproperties, it is not a requirement of the present invention that theyarn 100 be heated prior to weaving the yarn into a woven material foruse in an article, such as an article of furniture. In this regard, itis contemplated that the woven material will be heat set in an oven asto be described hereinafter. In another embodiment, the yarn 100 istwisted at room temperature by a filament twisting apparatus and thetwisted yarn is then wound to a spool. The twisted yarn 100 is thenunwound from the spool into an oven for heat setting. The heat settwisted yarn 100 is subject to air-cooling, or optionally, passedthrough a cooling device, and rewound to spool.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a composite twisted yarn ofindeterminate length designated generally by reference numeral 120. Thecomposite yarn 120 is made of two yarns 100 of polymer material and canbe of the type and construction as described herein which are twistedtogether. Although the composite yarn 120 has been illustrated ascomprising two yarns 100, it is to be understood that the yarn can beconstructed from greater than two yarns if so desired. It is notrequired that the yarns 100 be identical in size, shape, surface,appearance, coloration and/or surface configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there will be described a process ofmanufacturing a composite twisted yarn 120 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention, similar to the process of formingthe self-twisted yarn 106. As shown, there is provided a source 110 of acontinuous length of a yarn 100 of polymer material. A similar source110 is provided for a continuous length of another yarn 100 of polymermaterial. Generally, the sources 110 will be in the nature of a spool ofan indeterminate length of the yarn 100 of the polymer material.

The individual yarns 100 are fed concurrently from the spools into anoven 112 for heating the yarns to a predetermined temperature wherebythe memory characteristics of the yarns are reduced or substantiallyeliminated. It is also contemplated that the yarns 100 can be heated toa sufficient temperature whereby the yarns will soften so as to at leastpartially adhere to each other over their outer surface upon cooling.The temperature of the yarns 100 to achieve adhesion therebetween willbe higher than required to cause the yarns to lose their memorycharacteristics. The temperature of the oven 112 will take intoconsideration the type of polymer material forming the yarns 100, aswell as the linear rate in which the yarns pass through the oven forexample, the residence time in the oven. Although the process has beendescribed as heating both of the yarns 100, it is contemplated to heatonly one of the yarns. The other yarn 100 may be at room temperature orheated to a different temperature in a separate oven.

As the heated yarns 100 exit the oven 112, they pass through aconventional filament twisting apparatus 122. The twisting apparatus 122is operative for twisting the two yarns 100 together to form thecomposite twisted yarn 120. The twisting apparatus 122 may be of anysuitable construction such as known in the rope art where continuouslengths of filaments are twisted together. Sufficiently heating one ofthe elongated yarns 100 of polymer material causes the yarns upontwisting to at least partially adhere to one another to prevent theirunraveling. However, it is not a requirement that the yarn adhere toeach other. The twisting process may occur either before or after theheating process. The heating may take place either in an oven 112 or asa result of the yarns 100 being formed by hot extrusion of the polymermaterial through a die.

It is also contemplated that the spools 110 of the source yarn may beplaced in an oven to preheat the yarn 100 to the desired temperatureprior to twisting. It is also contemplated that heating may be providedby placing the twisting apparatus 114 in an oven or arrange suitableheaters around the twisting apparatus, or heating the spools 118 of thecomposite twisted yarn 120.

It is also contemplated that a slight heating of at least one yarn 100will allow the yarn to relax so as to twist with an additional yarn, andretain its twisted shape upon cooling. However, it is not a requirementthat the yarns 100 be heated when making a composite twisted yarn 120.The composite twisted yarn 120 can be heat set after forming a weavetherefrom as to be described hereinafter. It is therefore not arequirement that the yarns 100 be adhered to each other along anyportion of their length such as by heating at least one of the strandsto about its softening temperature.

The yarns 100, 106 have been described as including a core 102. Thepresent invention specifically contemplates the use of a yarn without acore, woven with a yarn 100, 106 having a supporting core. Themanufacture of a yarn with a core 102 often results in slower processingspeeds with the attendant increased manufacturing cost. In addition,yarns having a core have limitations as to the shape of the yarn. Forexample, it is not typically possible to produce a thin flat yarncontaining a core. By eliminating the core, additional designs of theyarn can be achieved in the woven material. However, as a coreless yarngenerally lacks mechanical strength, it has been discovered that wovenpanels formed from both coreless and core yarns will provide thenecessary strength for use of the woven material in the various articlesof furniture and the like as described herein. Previously, it wasbelieved that coreless yarns would not be usable in woven material forcertain applications which were load bearing, for example, the seat andbackrest portions of an article of furniture.

As shown in FIG. 7, a coreless yarn 124 may be similar in constructionto yarn 100, except for the elimination of the core 102, i.e., having asolid polymer core of the same yarn material. Referring to FIG. 8,coreless yarn 126 is similar to yarn 124, but includes a hollow region128 or void. The hollow region 128 is devoid of any material. By havinga hollow region 128, the coreless yarn 126 may be described as having abody devoid of a core of a material different from the material formingthe yarn, as the hollow region is not considered a material, rather avoid or the absence of any material. As such, it is contemplated thatduring the weaving process, the yarn 126 will have a tendency to flattenat certain locations, providing the weave with a different appearance.The hollow region 128 may be of various sizes and will typically extendalong the entire length of the yarn 126, and may be centered oroff-centered within the yarn 126.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a flat coreless yarn 130. By flat,it is meant that the yarn 130 has a thickness to width ration of greaterthan about 1:2. However, the thickness to width ratio can be as large asdesired, for example, 1:5, 1:10, 1:15, etc. The ratio will be dictatedby the aesthetic effect desired by the weave resulting form the use ofthe coreless yarn 130 in combination with yarns having a core 102. It isto be understood that the yarns 124, 126, 130, as yarn 100, may beuniform or non-uniform, may be of any color or multiple colors, and maybe of any size. The coreless yarn 130 may also have one or more hollowregions 128 which may be centered or off-centered within the yarn. It isalso contemplated that the yarns 124, 126, 130 can be formed from foamedPVC material such that the yarns have a deformed outer surface and anon-uniform cross-section over their entire length. It is alsocontemplated that other polymers may be used to form the yarns 124, 126,130, such as polyester and the like.

There will now be described the use of yarns in forming a woven portion.In accordance with one embodiment, a plurality of yarns, twisted ornon-twisted and combinations thereof, are woven to form a woven materialfor forming portions of an article. It is to be understood thatfurniture and other items such as couches, chairs, rugs, awning andsling material, tables, benches, stools, trunks, mats and the like canbe produced in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.It is understood that any combination and construction of yarns as thusfar described can be utilized in forming the weave for such an article.Any variation of furniture type and yarn material is contemplated.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a chair can be produced from a rigidskeletal frame 214 which will be covered with a weave of woven materialproduced from a composite weave of yarns of the present invention. Theframe 214, by way of illustration only, provides an arm chair with aseat, a back rest, a pair of front legs, a pair of back legs and a pairof side arms. The seat 218 (see FIG. 10) is delineated by a connectingfront member 220, a parallel spaced apart back member 222 and a pair ofparallel spaced apart side members 224, 226. The front legs 228, 230 areconstructed as parallel spaced apart vertical members joined to the freeends of the front member 220 and have outwardly turned extensions 232providing the front legs with an L-shape. The front legs 228, 230 arearranged generally vertical to the floor as viewed from the front andside of the chair 216.

The back legs 234, 236 are constructed from an angular member attachedto the free ends of the back member 222. The back legs 234, 236 havegenerally parallel spaced apart upper members 238 extending verticallyfrom the back member 222 as viewed from the front and side and generallyparallel spaced apart lower members 240. The lower members 240 arearranged at a rearwardly extending angle as viewed from the side andextend generally vertical from the back member 222 as viewed from therear of the chair 216.

A generally U-shaped member 242 includes a center section 244 connectedacross the free ends of the upper members 238 of the back legs 234, 236and a pair of curved spaced apart side arm members 246, 248 forming theside arms 250, 252 of the arm chair. The free ends of the side armmembers 246, 248 are attached to the free ends of the extensions 232 ofthe respective front legs 228, 230. The side arm members 246, 248 arespaced apart wider at their mouth where they connect to the extensions232 than where they form the center section 244. This arranges the sidearms 250, 252 outwardly of the side members 224, 226. The upper members238 of the back legs 234, 236, the back member 222 and center section244 delineate the back 254 of the chair 216.

A secondary frame can be used to provide attachment support for thewoven material utilized in covering the frame 214. Specifically, agenerally U-shaped elongated rod 256 having a shape conformingsubstantially to the shape of the U-shaped member 242 is connectedthereto in underlying relationship by means of a plurality of spacedapart ribs 258. Another secondary support frame is positioned betweenthe front and back legs 228, 230, 234, 236 underlying the seat 218. Thissecondary frame is constructed from a front rod 260 connected betweenthe front legs 228, 230, a back rod 262 connected between the back legs234, 236 and a pair of side rods 264, 266 arranged in parallel spacedapart relationship connected between the front rod 260 and back rod 262inwardly of their terminal ends. An additional front rod 268 may bepositioned between the front legs 228, 230 underlying front rod 260.

The frame 214 is covered by weaving, for example, the yarns into a wovenmaterial to form panels of woven material directly on the frame, i.e.,in situ. The chair 216 can also be fabricated by weaving any of theyarns as described in any combination into pre-woven material panelswhich are then attached to the frame 214. As shown, the chair 216includes a seat portion 218, a front skirt portion 270, a back restportion 254 and side portions 272. The front and back legs 228, 230,234, 236 may be wrapped with a continuous length of yarn. A plurality ofindividual yarns are attached to various portions of the frame 214, forexample, to the secondary frame as previously described.

In one embodiment, a plurality of individual self-twisted yarns 106 arewoven with other yarns, or as they are attached to the frame 214 into apredetermined weave pattern. Some yarns are the weft yarn, while othersare the warp yarn, as previously discussed. It is also contemplated thatnon-twisted yarn 100 and other types of yarn, for example, multipletwisted composite yarns and/or multiple twisted yarns, and thosedisclosed in the aforementioned applications and patents can be woventogether to form such woven material. By combining yarns of variousappearance and characteristics, various aesthetic and textural effectscan be obtained.

It is contemplated that the core yarns 100, 106 by virtue of their core102 will provide sufficient strength for the woven material formedtherefrom, notwithstanding the absence of a core within the corelessyarns 122, 124, 130 if used in a weave. Generally, it is contemplatedthat the core yarns 100, 106 will run in the weft direction in the wovenmaterial, while the coreless yarns 122, 124, 130 will run in the warpdirection, however, this is not a requirement of the present invention.It is further contemplated that a mixture of coreless and core yarnsforming the weft and/or warp yarns can be woven into a woven material.

It is further contemplated that a twisted strand can be twisted togetherwith another strand of typically smaller diameter. The smaller diameterstrand may be similarly twisted as previously described or may beuntwisted. It is further contemplated that a plurality of smallerdiameter strands may be twisted together with one or more twistedstrands. The aforementioned strands may be of different coloration,surface appearance, and configuration, such as having projections 206,208 and the like. By combining strands of various characteristics,various aesthetic and textural effects can be obtained. The single twiststrands can form the weft or warp yarns in a woven material. The otherstrands, i.e., weft or warp stands can be formed of other polymerstrands, for example, multiple strands of twisted yarn as described withrespect to the aforementioned applications or patents. In multiple twiststands, it is not required that the individual strands be of the samediameter. Accordingly, it is contemplated that a larger diameter strandcan be twisted together with one or more smaller diameter strands. Inthis case, it is contemplated by way of example, that the small diameteryarns are not required to have a core, which will be present in thelarger diameter yarn. As such, the core in the larger diameter yarn willprovide the necessary physical strength for the resulting twisted yarn.However, it is contemplated that the smaller diameter yarns may alsohave a core of smaller size than the core in the larger diameter yarn.Collectively, the number of cores and their respective size will providethe requisite strength for the composite twisted yarn.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a weave of wovenmaterial may be formed from weft and warp yarns, which have flat and/orgenerally cylindrical shape. For example, the weft or warp yarn may beformed from a plurality of generally flat polymer yarn 130 such as thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 474614, woven in combination with one ormore generally cylindrical yarns such as those disclosed in any one ofthe aforementioned applications and patents. The individual cylindricalyarns may be twisted or non-twisted, and similarly, the flat yarn may betwisted or non-twisted. The flat yarn may also be foamed or non-foamedand provided with a core 102 as previously described. However, flatyarns generally are not of sufficient size to accommodate a core, or onewhich will provide the strand with sufficient strength. Hence, it iscontemplated that the core yarn by virtue of its core 102 will providesufficient strength for the woven material formed therefrom,notwithstanding the absence of a core with in the flat yarn. Generally,it is contemplated that the cylindrical yarns will run in one directionin the woven material, while the flat yarns will run in the otherdirection, i.e., being either the weft or warp yarns. However, it isfurther contemplated that a mixture of flat and cylindrical yarnsforming the weft and/or warp yarns can be woven into a woven material.

It is known that the individual yarns can shift within the weave duringuse of the chair 216. Heat setting the woven material on the chair 216aids in preventing the yarns from shifting within the different portionsof the chair. The entire chair 216 with the woven portion attached canbe placed into an oven similar to oven 112 in order to heat set theattached woven material similar to that used in the production of thecomposite twisted yarn 120. In the case of the chair 216, it iscontemplated that the oven will be a batch oven, as opposed to acontinuous oven 112 as described with respect to the manufacture of thecomposite twisted yarn 120. In this regard, the oven will typically beof sufficient size to hold a plurality of chairs 216. The chairs 216will remain in the oven 112 at a predetermined temperature for apredetermined residence time to cause the yarns to heat set wherebycontiguous portions of the yarn may bond together within the weave whenthe chair is removed from the oven and allowed to cool. The coolingprocess may take place either within the oven or outside the oven bybeing subjected to ambient air. In addition, it is also contemplatedthat a source of chilled air may be blown over the heated chairs 116either in a confined housing or in an open area. The temperature andresidence time for the oven for heat setting the woven polymer materialare similar to those as thus far described with respect to the twistedstrands.

The heat setting process stabilizes the weft and warp yarns to inhibittheir shifting within the weave, as well as heat setting individualyarns which may be used as the weft and warp yarns. It has beendiscovered that heat setting of the woven material using certain polymeryarns causes the woven material to sag thereby detracting from theaesthetic appeal of the article. By using self-twisted yarns 106 aseither the weft or warp yarns, either alone or in combination with otheryarns as described herein, it has been discovered that sagging issubstantially eliminated during the heat setting process of the wovenpolymer material. As such, the use of the self-twisted yarns 106 of thepresent invention has been found to overcome the sagging problem of theseat and backrest portions of the furniture articles incurred when heatsetting other woven material.

Although in accordance with the preferred embodiment, the woven materialis formed in situ on the frame, it is contemplated that panels ofpre-woven material may be adhered to the frame and subsequently heat setby placing the article of furniture in an oven as thus far described. Itis therefore contemplated that portions of the article of furniture maybe formed with woven material in situ, other portions by attachingpanels of pre-woven material thereto, as well as variations thereof. Inany event, the article of furniture can be placed in an oven to heat setthe woven material. It is also contemplated that pre-woven material maybe placed in an oven for heat setting, prior to adherence to the articleof furniture, thereby doing away with the need to heat set the entirearticle of furniture.

An example of a process for bonding or adhering woven strands of PVCmaterial together without the application of heat can be achieved by theapplication of a suitable paint composition, and optionally, followed byapplication of a fluid material having thinner or solvent-likeproperties for the paint composition. The method according to oneembodiment generally utilizes various known paint compositions which aresuitable for coating PVC material, e.g., paint compositions havingadhesion properties to PVC material; and thinners for use with such PVCpaint compositions and/or solvents for the PVC material. While specificexamples of PVC paint compositions are described below, it is recognizedthat other known compositions for adhering to PVC material can be used.Paint compositions are those which include a film forming component, acolor component and at least one solvent or thinner. In PVC paintcompositions, the film forming component can be PVC material. In oneembodiment, examples of paints suitable for coating PVC material havethe following chemical compositions: Compound: Wt. % ThermoplasticAcrylic Resin 55-65 Color 18-22 Dispersant 0.4-0.6 Defoamer 0.1-0.3Plasticizer Agent 3-5 Anti-Settling Agent 0.2-0.4 Solvents 20-Oct

EXAMPLE 1

Compound: Wt. % Methyl Ethyl Ketone 5.3 Methyl Ethyl Butyl Ketone 58.6Cyclohexanone 12.9 1-Methoxy 2-Propyl Acetate 3.3 Ethyl 3Ethoxypropionate 4.96 Vinyl Acrylic Ester Copolymer 3.98 AcrylicCopolymer 9.49 Methyl Methacrylate 0.12 Butyl Benzyl Phthalate 0.99Pentamethylpiperidine 0.2 Cellulose Acetate Butyrate 0.5 PolyetherModified Methyl 0.2 Polysiloxane — Pigments —

EXAMPLE 2

Paint compositions suitable for coating PVC material are well known inthe art. An additional example is Krylon® Fusion manufactured by theKrylon Product Group which is part of the Sherwin Williams Company. Itis contemplated that other such paint compositions suitable for coatingPVC material can be used. Typically, such paint compositions containsolvents suitable for use with PVC material. Examples of such solventsinclude toluene, tetrahydrofuran, and ketones including methyl ethylketone, cyclohexanone and acetone. It is contemplated that the thinnersand the solvents suitable for use in the present invention may be thesame composition. In many cases, chemical compositions present in PVCcements are also utilized in PVC paint compositions. It is contemplatedthat other solvents and chemical compositions can be included incompositions suitable for coating PVC material. Further, where the wovenmaterial is of other than PVC polymer material, suitable paints andthinners therefore or solvents for the selected polymer would be used inaccordance with the present invention.

In conjunction with the above-discussed PVC paint compositions, onesuitable thinner or solvent for use in the method is acetone. In apreferred embodiment, acetone is used in conjunction with theabove-described compositions of examples 1 and 2. It is contemplatedthat other thinners or solvents known in the art can be used with theabove examples such as those described above, as well as with othercoatings.

In one embodiment, woven material is formed which includes PVC yarns ofany configuration or design, such as twisted or non-twisted. The wovenmaterial is coated with a PVC paint composition using any suitablecoating technique such as spray painting. Before the coating on thewoven PVC material has dried, a cloth or other material, soaked orsaturated with a thinner or solvent according to that described above,is wiped across all surfaces of the painted woven PVC material. Thisremoves a portion of the PVC paint applied in the painting step andpartially saturates the crevasses or interstices of the woven PVCmaterial with the thinner or solvent in combination with the residualPVC paint. It is also contemplated that the solvent can be applied byspraying, with or without wiping or removing any of the PVC paintpreviously applied. Where wiping of the PVC paint is not performed, thewoven material will only have a minor, if any, washed-out appearance.

After drying of the PVC paint and solvent, this process causescontiguous portions of the yarns within the woven portions to bondtogether, thereby accomplishing generally the same result as describedabove without the need for subjecting the woven PVC material to heatsetting. It is also contemplated that the finished coated woven PVCmaterial can be heated to evaporate any residual thinner or solvent,which will also eliminate any residual odor and further enhance thebonding process. Heating can be accomplished if desired in an oven at alow temperature, e.g., below about 250° F., which will also cause theyarns to heat set. The lower temperatures prevent the polymer yarns fromobtaining a shiny look when heat set at higher temperatures. Theadditional heat set can also be accomplished after air drying the PVCpaint.

Although it is preferred that a thinner or solvent be applied to thepainted woven PVC material, this is not a requirement of the presentinvention. In this regard, the PVC paint composition upon drying in thecrevasses or interstices of the woven material will itself bond theyarns together in a similar affect as heat setting the woven PVCmaterial. It is contemplated that the use of the thinner or solvent willhelp the PVC paint composition penetrate into the crevasses, as well asacting as an additional bonding agent for the PVC material. However, itis also contemplated that this method of applying PVC and non PVC paintand solvent or thinner can also be practiced on polymer woven panelsthat have previously been heat set with the yarns already adhering toone another. In this regard, the PVC or non PVC paint will coat theyarns and fill in any interstices therebetween as previously described.By wiping off a portion of the paint coating with solvent or thinner, awashed out look can also be obtained.

Additionally, while the preferred embodiment uses spray painting, it iscontemplated that other methods of applying such paint, known to thoseskilled in the art, can be performed. It is also contemplated that otherapparatus can be utilized to apply the thinner or solvents to the wovenmaterial. Such apparatus can be manually operated, or in anotherembodiment, can be adapted to be operated mechanically. Likewise, it isalso contemplated that the time required for the drying of both thepaint and the thinner may vary according to the amount or method ofapplying the substances, as well as drying temperature.

This method of applying PVC paint and partially removing it with thinneror solvents also creates a unique aesthetic washed-out look upon thepainted portions of the woven material which are non-uniformly coatedwith the PVC paint. This washed-out look can be accomplished utilizingthe PVC paint discussed above, and also by the use of any paint suitablefor covering the polymer yarns. Typical non PVC paints, that maygenerally have lesser adhesion to PVC material or the like, will alsoallow for a washed-out look area, but will not form as strong a bond ofthe woven portion as previously described. The PVC paint thinner or PVCsolvent helps the non-PVC paint to adhere to the PVC strands. Thewashed-out look is both aesthetically pleasing and beneficial byallowing different colored articles of furniture to be manufactured fromthe same stock of synthetic yarn. The color no longer dependsexclusively upon the color of the yarn, which is typically a genericcolor such as black, brown, green or white, but rather upon thecombination of the color of the paint utilized and the color of theyarn. Additionally, the washed-out look area is not a typical solidcolor, but rather a discontinuous shade consisting of the color of theyarn and the color of the paint. It is contemplated that differentcombinations of quantities, paint colors and types of paint thinner willprovide different washed looks. For example, in another embodiment, vastquantities of paint can be applied in order to manufacture an article offurniture that is closer in color to that of the color of the paint. Itis also contemplated to apply multiple colors of paint to the wovenmaterial to obtain the desired color effect.

In a preferred embodiment, this method is performed on a chair 116 thatis constructed in accordance with the disclosure herein. However, it iscontemplated that different articles of furniture can be utilized havingdifferent style weaves and/or material strands. While material liketwisted yarn strand 100, 200 can be employed, it is also recognized thatother material, for example multiple strand twisted yarn and non-twistedstrands, as disclosed in Applicant's application Ser. No. 10/158,629 andpatents, can also be bonded or fused through this method. In otherwords, the method of bonding together a plurality of yarn strands,utilizing paint and thinner or solvent can be performed on various yarnmaterials or constructions.

It is also contemplated that paint compositions suitable for coatingpolymer yarns in woven material of other than PVC material can be used.Polymers having properties different than that of PVC have suitablepaint coatings known in the art and such combinations can be utilized inaccordance with the present invention.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference toparticular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and application of the presentinvention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modificationsmay be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangementsmay be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A method of making a coated woven panel comprising forming a wovenpanel by weaving together a plurality of first polymer yarns with aplurality of polymer second yarns, said first and second yarns having anexposed outer surface and interstices therebetween with said wovenpanel, and coating at least a portion of said exposed outer surface ofsaid first and second yarns and within said interstices with a coloredcoating composition.
 2. The method of claim 1, bonding said first andsecond yarns together within said interstices by said composition. 3.The method of claim 1, further including applying a solvent for saidpolymer or thinner for said composition to said exposed outer surface ofsaid first and second yarns and within said interstices.
 4. The methodof claim 3, further including removing a portion of said compositionfrom the exposed outer surface of said first and second yarns.
 5. Themethod of claim 3, wherein said polymer of said first and second yarnscomprises PVC material and said colored coating composition comprises afilm forming component, a color component, and at least one componentselected from the group consisting of a solvent and a thinner.
 6. Themethod of claim 3, wherein said colored coating composition has adhesionproperties for PVC material.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein saidcolored coating composition includes a film forming component comprisingPVC material.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said polymer of saidfirst and second yarns comprises PVC material and said colored coatingcomposition includes a film forming component of other than PVCmaterial, and further including applying a solvent for said polymer tosaid exposed outer surface of said first and second yarns and withinsaid interstices.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said colored coatingcomposition non-uniformly covers the exposed outer surface of said firstand second yarns.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said first andsecond yarns within said woven portion are adhered to each other alongcontiguous portions thereof.
 11. A method of making an article offurniture comprising providing a frame having the shape of an article offurniture and attaching a woven panel to said frame, said woven panelformed by weaving together a plurality of first polymer yarns with aplurality of polymer second yarns, said first and second yarns having anexposed outer surface and interstices therebetween within said wovenpanel, and coating at least a portion of said exposed outer surface ofsaid first and second yarns and within said interstices with a coloredcoating composition.
 12. The method of claim 11, bonding said first andsecond yarns together within said interstices by said composition. 13.The method of claim 12, further including applying a solvent for saidpolymer or thinner for said composition to said exposed outer surface ofsaid first and second yarns and within said interstices.
 14. The methodof claim 13, further including removing a portion of said compositionfrom the exposed outer surface of said first and second yarns.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, wherein said polymer of said first and second yarnscomprises PVC material and said colored coating composition comprises afilm forming component, a color component, and at least one componentselected from the group consisting of a solvent and a thinner.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein said colored coating composition hasadhesion properties for PVC material.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein said colored coating composition includes a film formingcomponent comprising PVC material.
 18. The method of claim 11, whereinsaid polymer of said first and second yarns comprises PVC material andsaid colored coating composition includes a film forming component ofother than PVC material, and further including applying a solvent forsaid polymer to said exposed outer surface of said first and secondyarns and within said interstices.
 19. The method of claim 11, whereinsaid colored coating composition non-uniformly covers the exposed outersurface of said first and second yarns.
 20. The method of claim 11,wherein said first and second yarns within said woven portion areadhered to each other along contiguous portions thereof.
 21. A method ofbonding together a plurality of polymer yarns, said method comprisingweaving a plurality of polymer yarns into a weave having interstices; atleast partially filling said interstices with a coating composition; andapplying a solvent for said polymer yarns or thinner for saidcomposition within said interstices.
 22. The method of claim 21, whereinsaid solvent or thinner is selected from the group consisting oftoluene, tetrahydroforan, cyclohexanone, ketones and mixtures thereof.23. The method of claim 21, wherein said composition comprises a filmforming component, a color component, and at least one componentselected from the group consisting of a solvent and a thinner.
 24. Themethod of claim 21, wherein said coating composition comprise PVC paintcompositions and non PVC paint compositions.
 25. The method of claim 21,further including heating said weave after applying said solvent orthinner to a temperature sufficient to evaporate residual solvent orthinner within said interstices.
 26. The method of claim 21, wherein atleast a first plurality of said polymer yarns comprises a single twistedyarn.
 27. The method of claim 21, wherein at least a first plurality ofsaid polymer yarns comprise a composite twisted yarn compromising aplurality of polymer yarns twisted together.
 28. The method of claim 21,wherein said applying said solvent or thinner comprises forcing saidsolvent or thinner fluid into said interstices.
 29. The method of claim28, wherein said forcing comprises applying said solvent or thinner to acloth and wiping said cloth over the exposed outer surfaces of saidplurality of polymer yarns thereby forcing said solvent or thinner intosaid interstices.
 30. A method of bonding together a plurality oftwisted polymer yarns, said method comprising providing a weave of aplurality of twisted polymer yarns having interstices within said weave;at least partially filling said interstices with a coating composition;and applying a fluid at least within said interstices.
 31. The method ofclaim 30, wherein said fluid comprises a solvent for said polymer yarnsor a thinner for said composition and wherein said composition comprisesa film forming component, a color component, and at least one componentselected from the group consisting of a solvent and a thinner.
 32. Themethod of claim 31, further including heating said weave after applyingsaid solvent or thinner to a temperature sufficient to evaporateresidual solvent or thinner within said interstices.
 33. The method ofclaim 30, wherein said applying said solvent or thinner comprisesforcing said solvent or thinner fluid into said interstices.
 34. Themethod of claim 33, wherein said forcing comprises applying said solventor thinner to a cloth and wiping said cloth over the exposed outersurfaces of said plurality of polymer yarns thereby forcing said solventor thinner into said interstices.
 35. A method of making a weave havinga washed out appearance, said method comprising weaving a plurality ofpolymer yarns into a weave; applying a colored composition to saidplurality of polymer yarns within said weave; and removing at least aportion of said colored composition from said plurality of polymeryarns.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein said colored compositioncomprises a film forming component, a color component, and at least onecomponent selected from the group consisting of a solvent and a thinner.37. The method of claim 35, wherein said colored composition comprisePVC paint.
 38. The method of claim 35, wherein at least a firstplurality of said polymer yarns comprises a single twisted yarn.
 39. Themethod of claim 35, wherein at least a first plurality of said polymeryarns comprise a composite twisted yarn compromising a plurality ofpolymer yarns twisted together.
 40. The method of claim 35, wherein saidremoving comprises wiping a cloth over the exposed outer surfaces ofsaid plurality of polymer yarns thereby removing a portion of saidcolored composition.
 41. The method of claim 40, further includingapplying a solvent for said polymer yarns or a thinner for said coloredcomposition to said cloth.
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein saidsolvent or thinner is selected from the group consisting of toluene,tetrahydroforan, cyclohexanone, ketones and mixtures thereof.